Small Group Leaders,
One thing that is a constant in life is change. Regardless of season of life, professional achievement, or ability to adapt, changes will always come. I believe that God is most concerned with how we deal with the changes we experience in life. He is pleased accompany us alongside every adjustment – pleasant or unpleasant, welcomed or unwelcomed. Not surprisingly, we see many changes throughout the lives of people in the bible. Moses goes from a shepherd to a national leader. Joseph goes from a prisoner to a government leader. Elisha goes from a farmer to a prophetic leader. And Jesus disciples go from various paths and careers to the first church leaders.
And consider the entire communities these various leaders watched over. Moses led a group of refugees out of slavery to find a land of their own. Joseph led the nation that would later enslave God’s people. Elisha, perhaps my favorite of this short list, both saves Israel from military threats as well as heals a foreign leper (2 Kings 5).
I want to personally write on the organizational change in Small Groups at Vineyard Columbus. Paige Goslin, who many of you know, will be stepping into the role of Interim Ministry Leader of Next Steps. This role leads small groups, service, and membership across all of our campuses. I, David, will be making a shift into the role of Connect Pastor at our Westerville Campus. In this position, I will be primarily attentive to our Westerville Campus, focusing on making the experience of every person who comes to Westerville (from the parking lot to the auditorium) one that will help them encounter God.
I am thrilled for this change for two reasons. First, I have great confidence in Paige as a pastor. As our church has grown more complex, I have been praying for the best leader for what our church needs from this role at in this season. Thankfully, God has answered that prayer in Paige! She has great capacity in clarifying needs across our church of campuses. Additionally, she holds immense history and the organizational vision to to be even more effective to the work God has called us to do. Please join me in welcoming Paige into this role!
Second, I am anticipating the position I have the opportunity to step into. I can be more directly present to the people that call our Westerville Campus home. I can give focused attention to the new visitor experience and the first impression of our oldest and largest campus! Most importantly, I can follow God by serving our church in this new way.
I am beyond thankful for my years in small group. I owe a great deal of how I pastor to many of you. I have an earnest yearning to see God at work in the lives of you as members of this church. I continue to pray for God to fill you with the fullness if God as Paul says to the Ephesians.
Grace to you, Small Group Leaders,
David Schermerhorn
